When I came to DialoguE in November 2007, my French had been deteriorating for several years. I had given up being truly comfortable with the language and felt burdened by the fact that I had to speak it regularly in my daily life.

After one week at DialoguE, my worst faults in pronunciation and grammar have been corrected, my oral comprehension has dramatically improved; bust but most importantly, I'm motivated - I'm enjoying working with French - and speaking the language is a challenge and an opportunity.

I took the course because I had been offered a job with a French company and as I was to be working with French speaking indigenes I had to undergo an interview in France, in French, two days after finishing the course. I passed the interview and was offered the job the next day. One of the many good things I found about the course was that I told Mr. Godard at the start that my initial aim was to pass the interview, with a secondary aim of continuing to learn the language, and he was able to tailor specific aspects of the course directly towards my interview. This definitely helped me get through a rather nerve racking experience as some key points, questions and responses had been turned into key phrases during the course and recorded on cassette allowing me to hear and rehearse them time and again. This 'Key Phrases' is a particular aspect of the course and I have found it particulary useful and still listen to the tapes on a regular basis now. Through this I am gaining more confidence and having been given a good grasp of the structure of the language have now found it much easier to learn on my own the grammar and verb conjugations. I have three French contractors working for me here in Nigeria and whereas I used to conduct all business in English with them, I now spend a lot of time speaking French on the job and even go out for a beer with them where we only speak French. The 'immersion' part of the course gave me the confidence to do this as only French is spoken throughout the course, although you are helped when you are in particular difficulty in trying to make yourself understood.

Most language training I've ever had taught me how to translate from English to French. At DialoguE I learned to call on what I knew to express myself directly in French. What a difference! Much like the difference between someone who can follow a recipe and someone who knows how ingredients combine to form cuisine, I learned more than just verbs & vocabulary; I absorbed the sounds, the nuances, and the rhytms of the language. I discovered that I could be understood by shopkeepers, taxi cab drivers, and, best of all –waiters!

Two weeks at DialoguE were worth two semesters of college level instruction. By the end of my stay I was able to converse with French friends in their own language! They were so impressed. Not only that, but I now have the kind of foundation that makes future learning truly productive, instead of an exercise in memorizing dull vocabulary lists. Maybe the only down side to DialoguE is that one's English gets a little rusty!...

Flexible,
sympathetic, personal - these are 3 of the most important adjectives to
describe what Dialogue can offer you.

Whilst Jean-Luc, Claudine
& their team are wholly professional & highly effective in delivering
what you specifically need in terms of individually tailored language
training, you will never feel anything other than part of an extended
family. This is true from the initial doorstep greeting through your formal
lessons, mealtimes and informal discussions up to the day of your final
departure. When you are with them, the extended family will probably range
from beginners to those who are nearly fluent - this is not an issue.
Each gets his/her own needs met in a relaxed & comfortable environment
- & students get to help each other in addition to everything that
Dialogue offers.

I made much more progress
here in just over 3 weeks than I made in 5 years of French lessons in
school - & I left with an appetite to come back for more !! From one
who was a reluctant language student, there can be no greater praise.

My stay at Dialogue
was even better than I had hoped it would be. I had a wonderful time,
meeting interesting people, and feeling constantly challenged.

You have developed a program that really
works, for all levels of ability.

My French improved a lot, and I am anticipating
having it improve even more, during my next visit to Dialogue. I don't
know yet when that might be, but I do know that I will return.

Thank you for the innovative approach to
language learning, the wonderful teachers, and for making me feel so at
home. Please feel free to give out my name and phone number to anyone
interested in learning more about Dialogue, as I'll be happto to help
spread the word.

Again many thanks to you and Claudine,
and everyone at Dialogue who helped make my experience there so positive.

"The stay at Dialogue was most helpful
in focusing my efforts on key areas for improvement. The teaching methods
were well adapted to my requirements and the teachers were excellent.
It was very pleasant to be in a family home rather than in a school environment.
This enhanced the learning experience"

(...)
For those with any interest in
learning or improving their French, in my experience, Dialogue is THE
place to go. It is an ideal setting whether one starts as I did, serious
disaster case, or one is a professor of French seeking only to perfect
an accent. The greatest risk for any student is that Dialogue can be rather
addictive. I've been lucky enough to be there three times and I'm looking
forward to the fourth.

"One must be very cautious, of course,
about any dealings over the internet with an entity one does not know.
But, Dialogue is all they claim to be in their web site and much more.
I cannot think of any group or business that I have dealt with in recent
years that lived up more fully and totally to the deal they make with
each individual student, in terms of instruction, cost and promised facilities
and amenities. One can have total confidence that here are folks who really
care about what they do, are proud of it, and proud to teach and share
the beautiful French language with those fortunate enough to come to their
splendidly equipped and located school. In my view, they are at the very
top of the apex in instruction methods and personal expertise in language
training. My time there has given me a very fond memory to carry a lifetime."

Over the years enterprises
which "promise their customers less, yet deliver more" are the successful
ones. Exceeding clients' expectations as a routine matter happens only
through careful attention to every aspect...down to the smallest detail...
of the enterprise. While such business terminology is not often applied
to the educational and training process, in the case of Dialogue it most
certainly deserves to be.(...)In summation, we've arrived home
with a very clear understanding of the ongoing steps we must take to insure
that we not only keep alive the language skills we've gained, but also
to move ahead. We are already planning our return to Dialogue within a
year for another rewarding and satisfying experience.

Rest assured that during your stay Jean-Luc
and Claudine will be the perfect hosts, providing wonderful conversation
and food for those rare times when you're not studying or having a lesson.
Be sure to ask Jean-Luc to show you his slides from Burundi!

"I have taken a number
of French language courses over the last ten years but always in a group
format. My French had reached a particular level but I found it difficult
to advance beyond this. I spent a very fruitful five days with the Godards
and their excellent teachers at Spa and I reached a new level of confidence
with the language. I made some marked improvements during the course and
am now confident that I can reach a much higher level with practice."

Six months after my first visit to Dialogue and
immediately prior to starting my new job in a Parisian law firm, I returned
to Dialogue for two weeks. The result is that I felt extremely comfortable
and natural speaking in French once I arrived in France. Immediately after
my arrival, I received many compliments on my French. Parisians repeatedly
expressed surprise that I had never lived for an extended period of time
in France. Furthermore, the facility of expression that I gained at Dialogue
helped me to adapt quickly to working in an entirely French office and
to interact easily on a social level with French people outside of the
office. I know that the time that I spent at Dialogue played an important
role in my current comfort level in France and the extent to which I am
enjoying my stay here.

Dialogue is, without a doubt, the best language
school that I have found. The main drawback to studying at Dialogue is
that afterward, you will be much less tolerant of the inefficiency of
studying elsewhere.

My French improved dramatically:
I could see and hear improvement daily, not just over the course
of weeks. I made more progress in my week at Dialogue than I did over
the course of a year studying at school.

If you really want to learn French (or Spanish,
or German, or Flemish), and you’re willing to put in the work to do it,
I can’t imagine a more effective method. And I can’t wait to go back.

I'm home now, and very happy with my Dialogue
experience, for many reasons. The biggest is that my instructors knew
how to identify and address those issues that are particular to a more
advanced learner. No wasted time -- my efforts were focused. Time and
energy were well spent, and the result was marked progress each day. Another
big reason was the food -- the meals were outstanding!

"Pure excellence in language education!
After searching for two years and taking classes at several schools, finally
I've discovered one where I can make solid progress in minimal time. It
truly boosts your confidence, rapidly increases your level of comprehension
and ease of speaking. The environment is perfect for studies - comfortable,
non-stressful, and yet very serious. It's a true language immersion -
you speak the language which you study from 9 o'clock in the morning till
10 o'clock in the evening, non-stop. The teachers are extremely competent,
well versed in the method, and very pleasant. They concentrate on your
goals, making sure that you achieve them by the end of your stay.

I would just like to convey my heart-felt gratitude
to you and the whole "Dialogue" team for 2 thoroughly enjoyable and productive
weeks in Spa. I feel I made significant progress with my French, thanks
to a combination of your highly effective method and an extremely motivated
teaching staff. The latter mixed just the right "cocktail" of exercises
devoted to grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and practical application
- rest assured, I will be putting your cassettes to good use in order to
build on what I learned. Claudine's culinary skills rounded off the programme
beautifully - all in all, a class act I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to
anyone.

My expectations were fully met
by Dialogue. One to one teaching ensured I was learning exactly what I
needed, at a pace tailored to my ability. The setting is inviting and
the Godards and their staff made my full immersion week a positive experience.
I now have the confidence to approach practical situations in French as
well as a good foundation for continued learning.

During the five days that I spent at Dialogue,
I felt that I largely recovered the level of French that I had had years
before when I was a student. Even more importantly, I acquired a facility
of expression that I had never had before, having only taken large group
classes when I was in school. The teaching method developed by Claudine
and Jean-Luc Godard is extremely effective, and I found that my lessons
were tailored to my particular needs and requests. The professors were
not only intelligent, highly skilled and motivated, they had such a pleasant
teaching style that the classes were very enjoyable. Additionally, I found
that much of the learning took place in the relaxed setting of meals and
coffee breaks with the Godard family, the professors and the other students.

Before planning my stay at Dialogue, I was somewhat
worried that spending a week in language immersion might not be the most
relaxing way to take a break from work. Instead, I found that being at
the school was very much like being a guest in the home of excellent hosts.
I had a private room and shower in a lovely room with views of the countryside.
Every day, there were three delicious sit-down meals, with wine flowing
freely at dinner. During the afternoon, there was time to go hiking in
the Ardennes or to the thermal baths in heart of Spa. At the end of my
stay, not only was I extremely pleased with my progress in French, I felt
refreshed and relaxed.

Thanks for one of the hardest but one of the
most fruitful weeks of my life.. At 54 most people don't attempt to learn
a second language, so I arrived with extreme apprehension and left with
confidence and motivation. You have given me a solid base on which to
build my use of French.

I wanted to write to thank
you for the wonderful 2 weeks I spent at your school DialoguE. As a complete
beginner to French I was amazed at the progress I made in 2 weeks. Even
now - almost 5 months later - the words and phrases I learnt with you
are imprinted on my brain. Sadly since finishing my course I haven't used
my French very much - as I didn't end up moving to Lausanne. However I
have been to Paris since then and managed to get around Paris, order food
and ask directions all in French. It was wonderful to me - as the people
appreciated my attempts - and it enhanced the experience greatly. I also
wanted to say a few words about your hospitality, the lovely accommodation
and food - and how comfortable I felt in your home. I really have to compliment
Claudine particularly for her attention to detail and for being a terrific
hostess. The food was always delicious, the rooms always clean and comfortable
- and the garden delightful. Lastly I have to talk about the learning
experience at your school. At first I have to admit that as a complete
beginner it all seemed a bit overwhelming. I couldn't imagine being able
to understand any of the meal-time conversations - but how wrong I was.
After only a week - I could comprehend much of what was being said around
the dinner table - and not long after was even able to join in. I was
very impressed with the methods you used for teaching, and also very impressed
with all of the teachers (yourself and Claudine especially). I would like
to add one other special thanks to Ingrid - whose good humour and enthusiasm
for teaching French was inspiring. She always made the lessons entertaining
and fun - and helped bring French to life for me. Now I've started on
the many things that impressed me at DialoguE I am finding it hard to
finish. I also appreciated that the length of the lessons were never stinted
on. I have worked at a Language School myself - and know that at other
schools lessons times are strictly adhered to. At DialoguE the lesson
ended when both teacher and student were finished a topic - and not simply
because the time was up. So I always felt like I was getting more than
my moneys worth. Thank you to you both and everyone and DialoguE for making
the experience of learning French a great one. I would gladly recommend
your school to anyone who wishes to learn French in a hurry.

"I found Dialogue to be
very valuable experience. Through the total immersion I gained significant
confidence in my speaking ability and the one-on-one courses allowed me
to make tremendous progress in the areas I needed to improve. The teachers
and teaching methods are outstanding and the hospitality cannot be matched.
I hope to continue my studies with Dialogue in the near future."

"DialoguE are a very good company: very professional,
and they take a lot of care all the time to tailor the course to your
particular needs. A week there seems expensive if you compare the costs
with the costs of individual private lessons which you might take elsewhere,
but the huge advantage is that you are completely immersed in French.
You aren't going out at lunch or back in the evenings to an English environment.
I really found that this helped me become more fluent and more confident."

"Dialogue provided me with an excellent
preparation for my INSEAD French exam. In particular, Dialogue's thorough
coverage of grammar and its distillation of useful structures in 'Phrases-Clefs'
gave me a good basis for attacking both the multiple choice and written
sections of the exam. Also, living and studying in the 'total immersion'
environment at Dialogue allowed me to cover and assimilate this much
faster than I would have at a larger school."

"Once again many thanks for the friendly and informative week at Dialogue. The intense and disciplined one-on-one method of instruction was very effective in improving our conversation and pronunciation. We learned much about the nuances and analytical power of the French language."

"I would like to thank Jean-Luc and Claudine for making my two-week stay at Dialogue thoroughly fulfilling. The tailored individual sessions on auditory discrimination and phonetics enabled me to make great advances in my pronunciation of French. Equally important, my hosts' unstinting attention to my malapropisms outside class served to heighten my awareness and facilitate correction of longstanding bad habits.
Jean-Luc and Claudine Godard proved to be wonderful hosts; indeed, they were cordial and personable to a fault. The ambiance they generated at their dining and living rooms, amid stupendous meals, wine and classical music was one of extraordinary ease and comfort. Nor did Jean-Luc's graciousness stop at the confines of Villa Sylvania. It was amply in evidence in the tours he gave us of Brugges, Ghent and Brussels, during which the action, naturally, took place entirely in French.
To francophiles no matter the French level, I cannot but recommend Dialogue in the highest terms. The opportunity to assimilate francophone culture and refine one's French in the home of such an exceptionally accommodating family is one that no serious francophile should pass up. My only regret, as I write this, is that I don't have a forthcoming vacation to visit Dialogue soon again."

"The combination of total immersion in the French language and intense academics is truly hard work. However, the immersion and the excellent instruction paid off. I am delighted with my progress. I can communicate in French with far greater agility than before Dialogue. Additionally, I am convinced that through Dialogue I have built a solid base which will enable my continued progress. Dialogue was the ideal preparation for my MBA studies in France."

"The week we spent was a fine, intensive way to learn French pronunciation and conversation. You are guests in the Godard's house, eating your meals with them and, at lunch, with the instructors. In between meals, you intensively drill pronunciation and conversational phrases in a way I haven't seen done in the U.S."

"My experience at Dialogue was very productive. I spent three weeks learning French. The program of total immersion is the only way to make rapid and enduring progress. In addition, they have developed a new and unique method of learning French which concentrates on difficult sounds, followed by intensive practice to imprint the results permanently. Three weeks of study at Dialogue is equivalent to 2 years of study elsewhere. Above all, living in a French-speaking home adds to the experience. Without exception, Jean-Luc and Claudine Godard are outstanding hosts. The atmosphere is very conducive to relaxed learning. The living quarters and kitchen are four stars."

"Following my week at Dialogue and the opportunity to use my newly acquired French skills at two congresses in Paris, I am writing to express how pleased I am to have selected Dialogue over my other options. From the first contact your team demonstrated full flexibility with my scheduling constraints. Further, given that the demands of my job do not allow a relaxed multi-week program, you were able to construct an intensive 7-day course that I estimate would have required 2-3 weeks to complete elsewhere. Your competitors did not even understand my needs.
I found several aspects of the course highly unique and commendable. Your method of practicing French pronunciation is essential for the American like me unskilled in French phonetics. You were correct in placing emphasis on this area; my subsequent negotiations in Paris showed that my partners were pleased more by proper pronunciation than perfect grammar. Incidentally, my French friends, initially sceptical about me taking a course in Belgium, were also impressed.
Also, rather than being language teachers only, my course instructors all had occupations in other fields along with extensive training and experience as French instructors. Alone the logistics allowing them to carry on their primary occupation as well as teach were impressive. But more important, Ingrid, Didier and Regis were able to convey current usage of French, in particular from marketing and media, which was relevant to my multimedia business whose vocabulary did not even exist 3 years ago. Finally, the relaxed environment at Villa Sylvania and the excellent cuisine from the hand of Madame Godard certainly added to the enjoyment of immersion in the French language and culture.
I conclude by offering my highest recommendation to others who may be considering French study. Anyone who has time considerations, needs to use spoken French and enjoys a family atmosphere should select Dialogue. I find the program a very good value and hope to return once we clarify our plans to expand into France."

"It is a great pleasure for me to thank you warmly for the excellent lessons in French that I received from you at the end of last year. When I returned to Paris from Spa, I could immediately notice a marked improvement in my competence in speaking French. In particular, I was able to carry on several fairly complicated conversations over the telephone without any difficulty. You will be amused to learn that I happened to mention to my French publisher that I had been taking lessons in French and was hoping to take some more; he replied that I had no need of further lessons! Of course, he was flattering me, I know. His remark, however, was a credit to you. You may refer any prospective clients to me, and I will be happy to recommend your lessons in French-and your gracious hospitality as well."

Ian Stevenson, M.D. Carlson Professor of Psychiatry, University of Virginia

"The course is extremely well thought out, combining many hours of lessons and informal conversation, skilled teaching and a pleasant atmosphere, which makes it the ideal immersion experience. The teachers are well trained and good at structuring the work for each individual. The practical facilities; that is the personal study bedrooms are also well planned and very comfortable. Finally, the house and meals provided are beautiful. I found that the small number of students kept the family atmosphere intact, and it was a great pleasure to talk to everyone I met. My aural comprehension of French and my confidence in speaking it improved enormously, which was what I needed myself."

"I've been studying French for years in the United States, with private lessons, classes, books, audio tapes, video tapes and what have you. While I have to consider myself an advanced student, I can also honestly say that I learned more French during the seven days I spent at Dialogue (May 25-June 2, 1997) than I did with all my other efforts combined.
The Dialogue method is different -- innovative -- especially when it comes to pronunciation. French pronunciation is profoundly different from English. With expert one-on-one guidance I was able to reach into the center of the French language and come out with a better ear for sounds that had previously eluded me. In many other fundamental ways I was able to grasp what I call "real French," instead of English translated into French. Because 60% of the vocabulary of both languages is similar, it's easy for an English speaker to fall into the translation trap -- but real French is something else entirely! I've experienced some of it now, and I want more.
I stayed in the lovely home of Claudine and Jean-Luc Godard, two truly hospitable people. Putting aside the warmth that developed between us, the superb meals, and the wine education that Jean-Luc throws in as a matter of course, the addition of real conversation at meals added tremendously to the corpus of my learning. Spa is a lovely place, known for its waters (I tasted waters from seven different springs in one expedition). While there must be many opportunities to live with a French-speaking family, most of them aren't language- teaching visionaries like the Godards."

"I feel privileged to have attended your school, early in its existence, because we have benefitted uniquely from the immense effort that Jean-Luc and Claudine have made. You have provided comfort, a warm intimate ambience, personal tutoring at its finest, beautiful classical music, all reflecting your excellent taste."

I have attended DialoguE twice and would do so again if the opportunity presents itself.

Before I came for the first time, I spent over 30 hours researching schools on the Internet. I could not find any other schools that were as comprehensive in their approach and methods as DialoguE. In order to really learn a language, most people understand that the best way is to think and live the language as much as possible. This is central to the methodology of DialoguE.

Moreover, the process of learning a language is not solely incumbent on the student. The teachers must be motivated and love the process of teaching. At DialoguE, the team is extremely knowledgeable and effective at their job.

Based on the former students' comments, I felt
confident that the course at DialoguE would be excellent. I had no idea,
however, that the experience would be as effective, enjoyable and fulfilling
as it ultimately proved to be.
Although I am sure that there are many fine programs throughout Spain
and Latin America, I personally can't imagine that a better program than
Dialogue's exists anywhere.

I would estimate that in terms of grammar, usage
and comprehension, my Spanish skills improved in two weeks more than they
would have in one entire year of traditional university level language
study.

If advancing your language skills in the quickest
way possible is your primary goal, then DialoguE Idiomas is a superb choice.

"Thank you to the DialoguE team for this first big step into the Spanish language. I feel that the journey of discovery of the Spanish language, people and culture that I have begun with you will enrich my life in the coming years."

"As far as the teaching is
concerned, I am pleased. The classes have given
me much confidence. Without doubt, I have improved during this week thanks
to the excellent teachers. Above all, I have enjoyed the family and teachers
I have met here. I want to come back. See you soon !"

I would sincerely like to thank you both very much. I have enjoyed my stay at your place and I have learnt a lot during this week.

Many thanks to you Mike for your delicious meals, which I can recommend to anyone. Your company during the meals was very pleasant. You gave me a lot of things to think about. Not to forget: thanks a lot for the special tour of Rye.

Thanks to you Minoo, I have been making progress since the first day in my specific problem areas. Thank you for your patience and flexibility.

I can say that the whole experience has been truly worthwhile. And, as Mike said: ‘Every ending is the start of a new beginning!’

If somebody reads these lines and is interested
in some personal comments then I would like to point out the following:
the teaching concept was brilliant, I made a lot of progress within just
one week.

Especially my problem of
managing the rules of grammar was perfectly solved by an easily understandable
explanation. Minoo did a very good job and my expectations were more than
fulfilled.

The English-Training took
place in a very pleasant environment, perfect accommodation with always
terrific meals and with very warm and open hosts. If somebody is going
to combine the language training with some sports, cycling and running
are recommended – it is a beautiful region.

I am going to come back for sure. Hopefully at the end of this year.
Many thanks to Minoo and Michael.

"It was an exceptional experience.
I had the opportunity to experience an excellent new method of learning
a language.

Yes, I had tried other courses that ended
when they finished. The Dialogue-Angloscene one is completely different
because the teachers show you a method to improve your listening and speaking
English and not only during the course. They tried to give me the self-confidence
to lose my shyness with the English language."

Avery
nice place, Rye; two veryNice Teachers, a Super Cook, and two kind ChildrenGave me the opportunity toLearn English in the best way;One week, from morning till night,Stressed the knowledge. So, I becameConfident in this rich language. But theEnd of this course is only the beginning!Never I thought, I would enjoy this so much. ThisEncourages me to go further with learning, …

To me that was the biggest advantage
of Dialogue. I could choose the focus of my course. I chose speaking and
I certainly got it! During lessons, meals and even coffee breaks I spoke
Dutch. It was extremely intense but exactly what I needed to improve my
confidence. The people were lovely and the meals delicious.

As the course was not sponsored by my company I had to pay for it myself.
For that reason I did a lot of research into the intensive Dutch courses
on offer. I chose Dialogue because it was the only one that provided private
lessons at a reasonable price. (...)

When asked about
my experience at Dialogue-Brussels, the first thing I shall cite is the
spectacular progress enabled by the Dialogue method. I arrived ten days
ago with no ability to speak and only a passing knowledge of a few words
and grammatical structures. To my delight, Dialogue delivered fully on
what they promised: now I can read, listen to and comprehend Dutch conversation,
and -- most importantly -- express my own thoughts all at an intermediate
level or above. As a result of the immersion method, last night I even
dreamed in Dutch. (...)

"My partner is from the Netherlands,
hence I had a strong desire to learn the language, especially for the
sake of the future children.
So I chose to do a 2 week intensive full immersion course with Dialogue.
Wow, and it was just that intensive! My knowledge of the language was
next to nothing : extreme beginner level. Also, it was my first foreign
language. Right from the first moment I met my instructors, it was all
Dutch!
The method is extremely effective as it teaches the language from all
aspects – written, oral comprehension and oral expression along
with grammatical skills. I have learnt many things in the last 2 weeks
without even knowing it- its is a building process. I am happy to be able
to comprehend a lot and, with further self study look forward to boost
my confidence in the area of oral expression. Well done to Jan and Marc,
my teachers, who where excellent at what they did and taught from the
heart. Thanks again for giving me the basis to build upon in the future."